London (AFP) – Relegated Hull appointed Leonid Slutsky as their new coach on Friday, the ex-CSKA Moscow boss becoming the first Russian to hold a managerial position in English football.
The 46-year-old, who also was in charge of Russia at Euro 2016 whilst still at CSKA, replaces Marco Silva, who left after City were relegated from the Premier League last season and has since joined Watford.
Slutsky, who has been in Britain for the last few months improving his English, guided CSKA to three Russian Premier League titles before resigning last December.
Slutsky told the club website: “I am delighted to become the head coach of Hull City and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of guiding the club back to the Premier League.
“I already know that this is an important club with a big and loyal fanbase. I’ve had a good feeling about it ever since meeting (owners) the Allam family and I can’t wait to get started next week.”
The Russian footballing pioneer – no Russian has ever managed outside countries from the former Soviet republics – is due to take up his new post next week, subject to international clearance.
Vice-chairman Ehab Allam said: “I am delighted to welcome Leonid as our new head coach.
“After a thorough recruitment process, Leonid’s attention to detail, thoughts on playing style and his ambition made him the stand-out candidate.
“The club has made plans for pre-season training and friendlies, with some exciting fixtures to be announced next week, and squad planning with Leonid is already under way.
“Leonid has enjoyed success at both club and international level and I am excited about his plans for guiding us back towards the Premier League.”
Among those Slutsky counts as one of his friends is his fellow Russian Roman Abramovich. He told the BBC this week of his close relationship with the Chelsea owner, describing him as “my friend … (whose) project in Russian football is me”.
One of the first to congratulate Slutsky on his new post was the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko.
Mutko, who is also Russia’s football chief, said: “I would like to wish him success to live up to the expectations pinned on him, to confirm our manager school’s reputation.”
CSKA Moscow posted on their Twitter page: “We congratulate Leonid with his appointment. Wish him to achieve a great success in England.”
Zoran Tosic, the CSKA and former Manchester United midfielder, commented: “He wanted very much to work in England and he succeeded in it.
“He’s an ambitious coach and understands clearly the responsibility that now rests with him. I believe he’s ready for this work and he will make everything right, he’s tough enough.”
Slutsky signed off his time with CSKA last December in fitting style if he does take Hull back to the topflight – with a 3-1 defeat of Tottenham at Wembley.
